OCU Hosts Second Annual 9/11 Memorial Service

The second annual Lest We Forget ceremony remembering the victims of the 9/11 attacks will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 in the Maxwell Center at Ohio Christian University.

“The city leaders and I have all come together because we wanted to honor first responders and the military on the anniversary of 9/11,” said Pastor Timothy Throckmorton, organizer for the event.

The evening, free for guests, will feature former congressman Bob McEwen, as well as performances by the Circleville Pumpkin Show Band and the Community Church Choir.

Throckmorton said he picked McEwen because of his abilities as a speaker and what he’s accomplished.

“Not only is [McEwen] an incredible orator, but he’s an incredible American,” Throckmorton said. “He’s very articulate in sending people away with a sense of patriotism. That’s what makes him a great speaker.”

Throckmorton said some of the songs performed will honor first responders and the branches of the military, and the bell-ringing ceremony is touching for those in attendance.

“[Circleville Fire] Chief Tim Tener will be doing the bell ringing,” he said. “It’s a very touching and moving ceremony.”

Throckmorton said one of the reasons for putting on the ceremony is teaching children about America’s history.

“Many of the children don’t have a clear memory of what happened on 9/11, and we teach them about American history and we teach them about things during the ceremony and why we do them,” he said.

Throckmorton also said there will be a display of contemporary and vintage first responder vehicles outside the Maxwell Center as well as other first responder displays.

“Many people volunteer, and some are paid to serve, but all are willing to give their lives to help others,” Throckmorton said. “It’s good not only to remember those who have died but to honor those who are living.”

Throckmorton said he saw first-hand the impact of the ceremony after the inaugural event last year.

“I saw total strangers walk up to a police officer that was there after the ceremony give them a hug,” he said. “I saw people shaking hands and thanking veterans for their service. It really affects people and moves them.”